Go Forward in Love

Go Forward in Love

   When you read the Bible, Jesus’ primary goal was moving people from being followers to disciples. Discipleship is a term that may evoke images of cross necklaces and other religious regalia, or practices like Scripture memorization and public prayer. While those are all respectable expressions, they do not fully encapsulate what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
   In John 13:35, Jesus offers His own definition of discipleship, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Rather than a laundry list of instructions, we are offered a simple yet profound command. To have an outward facing love is the foundational hallmark of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
   Disciples take on traits and virtues that are not just rooted in God’s character but rooted in who God is. In 1 John 4, Scripture continually states that “God is love.” The way that God defines Himself is the same marker God uses to identify those He calls disciples. In other words, to claim discipleship to Jesus Christ is to claim the defining feature of who God is and live it in his world.
   While singing worship songs, praying, and listening to sermons are commendable practices, they alone do not set one apart as a disciple of Jesus. Of all of God’s attributes, Christians are uniquely called to reflect His defining characteristic—love. Discipleship invites us to be an active, loving presence in the world, embodying and sharing the essence of who God is with those around us.
   Jesus is looking for disciples. Many people seek to be known for their intelligence, talent, style, charisma, or boldness, but Jesus is primarily concerned with whether we are living lives of love. This reminds me that even when we feel unintelligent, awkward, or unskilled, we can move forward in love, knowing that’s what truly matters.
   May you go forward in love, reflecting the defining trait of God.